Did you know that October is National Audiology Awareness month? Each time this year, audiology professionals make an additional effort educate the community and increase awareness of audiology and hearing-related disorders. One aspect of hearing health, just as essential as is it is undervalued, is prevention. Though we’ve been encouraged to get regular checkups for our teeth and eyes, many are unfamiliar with the recommended preventative health routine when it concerns their hearing.
Regular physical examinations are the best way to remain proactive about your health, as they help to discover potential concerns early on. On occasion, individuals may wait to seek treatment unless they are exhibiting physical signs of distress, such as pain. With the auditory system, early signs of deterioration may not manifest physically.
For this reason, audiologists recommend hearing evaluations as a part of your annual physical routine. Starting at the age of 40, adults should receive hearing examinations at least once a year. Many associate hearing loss with the elderly and, therefore, do not see the importance of getting their hearing tested. However, the majority of individuals with hearing loss are under the age of 65. Additionally, the early stages of hearing loss begin long before an individual is cognizant of the condition.
When left untreated, a hearing impairment can negatively affect other aspects of your mental, emotional and physical well-being. Conditions such depression, social withdrawal and cognitive decline are among the many co-morbidities of hearing loss. Through early intervention, hearing aids can help treat hearing loss and its derivatives.
When you think about your overall health, be sure not to forget about your ears! If you or a loved one could benefit from a hearing exam, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with one of our premiere audiology experts. Our patient-focused practice has been providing thorough diagnostics, personalized treatment plans and advanced digital hearing aids in Thousand Oaks for decades.